ZEPHANIAH:
GOD’S GREAT END DAY JUDGMENT
Picture credit Wikimedia Commons: Fethiye Camii, parekklesion,
dome, mosaics, Istanbul, Turkey – Central medallion, Christ Pantocrator
and the prophets, general view –
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTER-NATIONAL VERSION® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used with permission.
Copyright © 2024 Jim Gerrish
Light of Israel Bible Publications
Colorado Springs, CO
ZEPHANIAH:
GOD’S GREAT END DAY JUDGMENT
INTRODUCTION
The prophet Zephaniah ministered during the reign of the good king Josiah (640-609 BC). He was also a contemporary of the prophets Jeremiah, Nahum and Habakkuk. His name in Hebrew means “the Lord hides” or “he whom the Lord hides.” 1 Since biblical names often indicate something about the person, we can assume that Zephaniah had been hidden or protected in one way or another. John Phillips, Director of Moody Correspondence School, suggests that he may have been hidden somehow from the wicked King Manasseh.2
Much like the prophet Joel, Zephaniah spoke much of the coming “Day of the Lord,” or God’s Day of judgment upon evil. In fact, he uses the expression more than any other Old Testament prophet, except for Joel.
Zephaniah may have missed Josiah’s great revival since he fails to mention it. James Montgomery Boice, long-time speaker for the Bible Study Hour, notes how the prophet predicts the fall of Nineveh in verse 2:13. Since Nineveh fell in 612 BC, Zephaniah certainly must have prophesied before that time.3 The great revival sprang from the Book of the Law being discovered in the temple (2 Chron. 34:14ff.) and began in 629 BC. It appears that the revival was not a deep soul-changing and nation-changing event. As soon as King Josiah died, the people went back to all their previous sins.
Phillips says that before the revival, “Every form of religious wickedness and every kind of moral perversion were practiced. Josiah even had to break down the houses of the Sodomites ‘that were in the house of the Lord’ (2 Ki. 23:7).” 4 How that compares to our day when the homosexual flag is now flying from many American churches.
Boice notes how Zephaniah alludes to other prophets and their writings. See Zephaniah 1:7 as compared to Habakkuk 2:20, Isaiah 13:3, and 34:6. Zephaniah 1:14-18 echoes Joel 2:1-2 and Amos 5:18-20. He says, “This is the key to understanding Zephaniah: to see that his book is a summary of the prophets who have preceded him. His position in the corpus of the Minor Prophets may be meant to indicate this.” 5
CHAPTER 1
The word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah: Zephaniah 1:1.
In his introduction, Zephaniah gives us something interesting. He carries his genealogy back four generations, and that is rare. English Bible scholar, Peter Pett remarks, “The detailed genealogy, unusual for a prophet, suggests that his was an important family, and we are probably therefore to see the Hezekiah mentioned as the king of that name. He was thus of the royal house.” 1 Commentators feel that the prophet even lived and ministered in the Jerusalem area (cf. 1:4, 10, 11, 12).
We see something else of interest in his introduction. His father’s name was “Cushi.” In the Hebrew language, this would have indicated that the father was of Cushite or Ethiopian lineage. The marrying of a foreigner could not be accepted unless one could show a pure Jewish pedigree for three generations (Deut. 23:8).2 Apparently, Zephaniah could do that. One wonders if the father was associated with the ancient Ethiopian Jewish community. Thousands from this community have now immigrated to Israel.
THE COMING DESTRUCTION
“I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD. “I will sweep away both man and beast; I will sweep away the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea – and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble. When I destroy all mankind on the face of the earth,” declares the LORD, Zephaniah 1:2-3
Zephaniah wastes no time in focusing on God’s terrible judgment that is to come. The judgment against sin is so thorough that it affects all of nature. We would have to go to the Book of Revelation, to chapters 8, 9, 16 and others to find such destruction as Zephaniah mentions. Prolific Bible commentator and religious broadcaster, Warren Wiersbe says, “There will be cosmic disturbances that will affect the course of nature and cause the people to cry out for a place to hide (Amos 5:18; 8:9; Joel 2:1-2, 10, 30-32; Rev. 6:12-17).” 3 One thing is made clear here. The sin of human beings affects all of nature.
We notice this very thing in Genesis. As mankind fell, all of nature was changed. The Bible tells us that the earth was made by the word of God (Jn. 1:1-3). In addition, the earth is sustained by that same word of God (Heb. 1:3). When humans discard and abuse the word of God, then all of nature is affected.
When God says “all mankind” will be swept from the earth he is certainly not talking about the true believers. These are mentioned in 2:3, 7, and 9. He makes this clear in several other passages like Proverbs 10:25: “When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” God also says, “The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever” (Psa. 37:29). Proverbs 10:30 states: “The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.” The Bible is clear that God’s people will remain on the earth.
“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place, the very names of the idolatrous priests – ” (1:4). God’s stretched out or upraised hand signifies a great work of vengeance in the Bible (cf. Isa. 5:25; 9:12, 17, 21). Baal worship was the religion of the Canaanites. God destroyed them because of their false worship and gave their land to the Israelites. How sad, that the Israelites forsook their glorious God and began to worship defeated Baal. God was determined to destroy every remnant of Baal. Then the saints will even reign on earth with Jesus (Rev. 5:10).
The idolatrous priests in the Hebrew language are called the Chemarim. Jewish scholar Charles Feinberg says, “The very name of the Chemarim would disappear also. They were the idol priests (Ho. 10:5), whom Josiah put down (2 Ki. 23:5). The Hebrew means ‘black’ (from the black garments they wore) or ‘zealous’ (for their fanaticism in idolatry).” 4 These pagan priests were leading the people of Israel to mix their unique faith with idolatry. Matthew Henry, a seventeenth-century British minister and commentator says, “If Satan have half, he will have all; if the Lord have but half, he will have none.” 5
“Those who bow down on the roofs to worship the starry host, those who bow down and swear by the LORD and who also swear by Molek, those who turn back from following the LORD and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him (1:5-6). Molek was the detestable god of the Ammonites (1 Ki. 11:5) who required child sacrifice in his worship. The Hebrew in this verse reads Malcam and means “their king.” 6 How tragic that the Israelites were rejecting the King of the Universe for this phony idol king.
We note that the Jews were worshipping from their rooftops as well. They, like numerous pagans, worshipped the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon and stars. God had long before commanded his people not to do such things (Deut. 4:19).
GOD’S RESPONSE
Be silent before the Sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near. The LORD has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited. Zephaniah 1:7
Judah is commanded to be quiet before this stark and grim picture (Hab. 2:20). God is preparing a great banquet with Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian soldiers as the invited guests. In this awful picture, Judah and Jerusalem would become the sacrifice for this great feast. Judah’s blood would be offered up and Judah would be burned in the fire and given over to the enemy.
“On the day of the LORD’s sacrifice I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all those clad in foreign clothes” (1:8). Calvary Chapel Pastor and commentator, David Guzik, says: “The priests and leaders of Judah were ashamed of their national identity, so they loved to dress in foreign apparel. They wanted to be as much like the worldly nations around them as they could possibly be.” 7 How tragic that it was the leaders of Judah who were setting such an example. God would very soon give all of them their fill of foreigners. How sad it is today that many Christians are importing the customs of foreign religions, such as Yoga, martial arts and Eastern meditation.
“On that day I will punish all who avoid stepping on the threshold, who fill the temple of their gods with violence and deceit” (1:9). There certainly seems to be some reference here to the Philistine god Dagon who fell before the Ark of God. Dagon’s head and hands were lying on the threshold. After that spiritual disaster, the pagans refused to step on the threshold (1 Sam. 5:5).
A custom developed in paganism regarding this. Since there is a reference to violence and deceit in the verse some commentators feel that burglary and thievery are involved in this custom. Perhaps they never stepped on the threshold when they were robbing a house.
“‘On that day,’ declares the LORD, ‘a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, wailing from the New Quarter, and a loud crash from the hills’” (1:10). The Fish Gate was west of the Sheep Gate and each gate had a defensive tower near it, the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel. The Babylonians thoroughly destroyed this whole north side of the city. They actually entered the city through the Fish Gate.8 We see that the Fish Gate had to be rebuilt in the later time of Nehemiah. Marvin Breneman, Buenos Aires Professor of Old Testament, says of it: “The ‘Fish Gate’ was near the northwest corner, probably also called the Ephraim Gate (Neh. 8:16; 12;39; 2 Kgs. 14:13) and the Middle Gate (Jer. 39:3). There probably was a fish market there at one time. It is thought to have been near the location of the present-day Damascus Gate.” 9
Roads from this gate led north to the Sea of Galilee and toward Tyre (Neh. 13:16). These areas were the sources of most fish in Jerusalem. Israel had a warm climate much of the year so we need to understand that many fish were salted before they were transported. At the Sea of Galilee, fish were salted in Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene.
The New Quarter or Second Quarter was the name given to the city’s extension on the western ridge to the north side (2 Kgs. 22:14; 2 Chr. 34:22; Neh. 11:9). Although it was protected by an outer wall it was not in the main city. The loud crash and noise from the hills could have been the cutting down of trees that were used for the siege of Jerusalem.10
“Wail, you who live in the market district; all your merchants will be wiped out, all who trade with silver will be destroyed” (1:11). We hear the wail going up as the Babylonians enter each part of the city. Here they enter the market area and we note how the merchants are wiped out and destroyed. This market area is called the makhtesh in Hebrew. This probably indicates that the market was in a trough or hollowed-out area.11 It could have been part of the Tyropoeon Valley. It is interesting that today two tourist sites in Israel’s Negev desert are named the Makhtesh Gadol (Great), and the Makhtesh Katan (Small). These are vast hollowed-out geological formations. The Hebrew usage indicates that the market area was also in a hollowed-out area of Jerusalem.
“At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’” (1:12). The people of Jerusalem had grown complacent. They felt that they served a “do nothing” God. Babtist professor Bob Utley remarks: “This is ‘practical’ atheism on the part of the apathetic inhabitants of Jerusalem (cf. Ezek. 8:12; 9:9).” 12 They soon learned that God was doing something. He was destroying them by using the Babylonian army.
Jerusalem’s residents had become like stale wine left on its lees (dregs or settlement). Phillips comments: “New wine was left on the lees only long enough to fix its color and body. If the wine was not then drawn off, it became thick and syrupy. Likewise, men who were ‘settled on their lees: would be slothful and indifferent.’” 13
Scottish theologian, George Adam Smith, brings this situation down to our present time saying: “We have today the same mass of obscure, nameless persons, who oppose their almost unconquerable inertia against all vital religion. The great causes of God and humanity are not defeated by the hot assaults of the devil, but by the slow, crushing, glacier-like mass of thousands and thousands of indifferent nobodies. God’s causes are never destroyed by being blown up, but by being sat upon.” 14 God was searching Jerusalem for such as these. He was probing the city’s dark corners with lamps.
“Their wealth will be plundered, their houses demolished. Though they build houses, they will not live in them; though they plant vineyards, they will not drink the wine” (1:13). The Bible is clear that wealth will become a liability in the Day of the Lord. The prophet Isaiah speaks of this saying: “In that day people will throw away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and idols of gold, which they made to worship” (Isa. 2:20). In the later fall of Jerusalem under the Romans (AD 70), the bodies of Jewish escapees were cut open as the enemy searched for bits of hidden gold and silver.15 Certainly, houses, farms and vineyards will be of no help on that day. People will be chased from the comforts of their homes and farms.
THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORD
The great day of the LORD is near – near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the LORD is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry. Zephaniah 1:14
Throughout the ages, most of the prophets of God spoke about this dreadful day that is coming upon the earth. The prophets of old often called it “the Day of the Lord” (Joel 2:28-32; Amos 5:18-20; Obad. 1:15; Isa. 2:12ff.).
The early Christians looked forward to this special time and they also called it “the Day of the Lord,” just as the prophets had done before them (1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Thess. 5:2). They had several other designations for this period. They referred to it simply as “the day” (2 Thess. 1:10), and sometimes as “that day” (2 Tim. 1:12; 2 Pet. 3:12). In addition, they called it “the day of Christ” (Phil. 1:10; 2:16). It is variously referred to by other titles such as “the day of God’s wrath” (Rom. 2:5); “the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30); “the day of evil” (Eph. 6:13); “the day he visits us” (1 Pet. 2:12); and “the day of judgment” (2 Pet. 2:9). In these differing expressions the Bible is describing for us Christ’s coming kingdom and the terrible suffering that will precede and accompany it.
Prophetic fulfillment is often a strange and puzzling thing. The word of God can be partially fulfilled on more than one occasion leading up to the final fulfillment. Sometimes we see prophecy related to the partial and final fulfillments woven tightly together as in Matthew 24. In this chapter, it is almost impossible to separate events relating to the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70, from events concerning the end of the age. Both are in fact “Days of the Lord.” 16 Thus we can see that the Day of the Lord was coming in Zephaniah’s day, in Isaiah’s day, and also in Jesus’ day. It was partially fulfilled at least three major times, in the defeat and captivity of the northern tribes of Israel by the Assyrians in 722 BC, of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC, and by the Romans in AD 70.
There is one thing for sure. The Day of the Lord is coming today and it is coming quickly. Among other things, there will be much warfare on that final day. All nations of the earth will gather to invade and destroy Israel. It will be a difficult time for all believers but it will bring forth God’s final deliverance for his people.
“That day will be a day of wrath – a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness – day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers” (1:15-16). The Day of the Lord will be a terrible day of warfare, judgment and disaster. This day of wrath was pictured clearly in the Babylonian invasion of 586 BC, where Judah was conquered, and its people carried away into captivity. The awful Day of the Lord was pictured much later in the Roman Conquest of Jerusalem and all of Israel in AD 70. In that dreadful day close to a million Jewish people perished and nearly a hundred thousand were taken captive to the nations.17
Now, we await the final Day of the Lord, which will be the greatest battle and the most widespread destruction in the history of the world. It will begin with a great trumpet sound. In that final battle, the wicked will be destroyed, but the righteous will be delivered. For the wicked, it will be a day of distress, ruin, darkness and blackness.
“I will bring such distress on all people that they will grope about like those who are blind, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like dung” (1:17). In this verse the Lord shifts from the Day of the Lord upon Judah to the Day of the Lord upon all the earth. Many of the world’s sinners will grope around like blind people and there will be much bloodshed of the world’s armies as they are assembled to destroy Israel (Rev. 19:17-21).
“Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD’s wrath.” In the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live on the earth” (1:18). Here once more the prophet makes it quite plain that the final Day of the Lord will be universal and include punishment of the whole earth. Once again, he makes clear that wealth will not save a person on that day. Churches of Christ leader and Bible commentator, James Burton Coffman describes this last day: “All of the smooth infidels who have scoffed at holy religion will dramatically discover their fatal error, and the mightiest of all the earth shall scream for the rocks and mountains to fall upon them and hide them from the face of the Lamb and from him that sits upon the throne, a throne which they would not believe even existed!” 18
CHAPTER 2
Gather together, gather yourselves together, you shameful nation, before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the LORD’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the LORD’s wrath comes upon you. Zephaniah 2:1-2
The doubling of the same verb here (gather) emphasizes the writer’s thought. This is an urgent call for the gathering of a national religious assembly. This meeting would entreat the favor of the Lord by prayer and supplication, that he might turn away his fierce judgment.1 Israel is here called a shameful nation or a nation not desired. Her many sins had burdened her with shame. Utley says, “The root is used of gathering dried chaff or stubble (cf. Exod. 5:7,12; Num. 15:32,33; 1 Kgs. 17:10).” 2 Israel’s many sins had made her worthless, she would pass away like windblown chaff on the day of judgment (cf. Psa. 1:4; Hos. 13:3).
This is an urgent call to repentance before the dreadful day of God’s judgment would fall upon the nation. Similarly, God’s call to repentance is surely going out to many of the earth’s peoples and nations today.
“Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger” (2:3). Guzik comments: “In more than one place, God promises to hide his righteous people in the day of great judgment. This is especially relevant to the time of the Great Tribulation when the Bible warns us to watch and pray always that we may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen and stand triumphantly before the Son of Man. (Lk. 21:36).” 3 Too often we do not realize the great strength of our Lord and we fail to humble ourselves before his mighty power.
In Detroit in the 1930s, three young men boarded a bus and attempted to pick a fight with a passenger sitting alone in the back. They threw one insult after another, but the man said nothing in response. Eventually, the bus came to the man’s stop. He stood, pulled a business card from his pocket, and handed it to one of the men before stepping off the bus and going on his way. It read: Joe Louis. Boxer. The three young men had tried to pick a fight with the future heavyweight boxing champion of the world, a title Joe Louis held from 1937 to 1949.4
GOD’S WRATH AGAINST THE PHILISTINES
Gaza will be abandoned and Ashkelon left in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be emptied and Ekron uprooted. Zephaniah 2:4
Here the prophet begins to deal with nations on all the points of the compass. He first looks to the west and to Gaza as well as the other Philistine cities. There were five Philistine cities in all, Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron. It is true that Gaza was abandoned. In 332 BC Alexander the Great conquered the city. Alexander was lightly wounded in the siege, and he exacted vengeance by killing all the men and selling the women and children into slavery.
Today, Gaza is the largest city in the Gaza Strip, which is occupied by Palestinians who falsely claim to be Philistines, and it is ruled by the terrorist organization Hamas. Since October 7, 2023, the whole of the Gaza Strip has been at war with Israel. Since these Philistine cities were on a narrow coastal passageway, they were often attacked by the various empires nestled in the Fertile Crescent.
The coastal city of Ashkelon was conquered and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian army in 604 BC. After 1948, the abandoned city was rebuilt by the Israelis. The population now exceeds 130,000.
The prophet continues, “At midday Ashdod will be emptied and Ekron uprooted.” Phillips reports that Ashdod was in fact attacked and defeated at midday.5 That is usually the time in the Middle East when people eat and take a nap. There is a play on words for the next city. Ekron means “deeply rooted,” so the deeply rooted will be uprooted.6
It is interesting that the city of Gath is not mentioned. Judah’s Kings Uzziah and Hezekiah had kept Gath in subjection (2 Ki. 18:8 and 2 Chr. 26:6).” 7 Today the Israeli city of Kiryat Gat is named for ancient Gath, although it is not in the ancient location. Kiryat Gat has a population of over 65, 000 people, including many new Russian immigrants.
“Woe to you who live by the sea, you Kerethite people; the word of the LORD is against you, Canaan, land of the Philistines. He says, ‘I will destroy you, and none will be left. The land by the sea will become pastures having wells for shepherds and pens for flocks’” (2:5-6). The Kerethite people or Cherethites is a name indicating the Philistines. This name probably had a reference to the Island of Crete, from which the people came. These people were warriors who dealt Israel much harm in her early days. It is interesting that King David’s bodyguard was made up of the Cherethites and Pelethites (2 Sa. 8:18; 1 Ki. 1:38, 44).8
“That land will belong to the remnant of the people of Judah; there they will find pasture. In the evening they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. The LORD their God will care for them; he will restore their fortunes” (2:7). Because of the foreign invasions, most of the permanent buildings would have been destroyed. Shepherds could easily construct themselves shelters from the ruins.9 Both Ashkelon and Ashdod are now prosperous Israeli cities. Ashdod has a population approaching 230,000 and is Israel’s fifth-largest city. Ashdod is known for its bustling seaport and its industry.
MOAB AND AMMON TO THE EAST
I have heard the insults of Moab and the taunts of the Ammonites, who insulted my people and made threats against their land. Zephaniah 2:8
Strangely, Moab and Ammon were Israel’s kinfolks, since they sprang from the incestuous relationship of Lot’s daughters (cf. Gen 19:36-38). Yet, they became bitter enemies. Because of it, they were destined for permanent desolation (cf., Isa. 16:6; Jer. 48:25-27; Ezek. 25:3, 6, 8).10
“‘Therefore, as surely as I live,’ declares the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, ‘surely Moab will become like Sodom, the Ammonites like Gomorrah – a place of weeds and salt pits, a wasteland forever. The remnant of my people will plunder them; the survivors of my nation will inherit their land.’ This is what they will get in return for their pride, for insulting and mocking the people of the LORD Almighty” (2:9-10). Their judgment was so great that they were compared to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. They ridiculed Judah at the news of her destruction (Jer. 48:27), but that same enemy returned to destroy them some five years later.
Their lands would become places of weeds and salt pits, pictures of desolation. Homer Hailey reports how the famous archaeologist Nelson Glueck located hundreds of ruins of ancient Moabite and Ammonite villages, all bearing testimony to the prophet’s accuracy.11 Sadly, their ancient hatred continued much later. Phillips remarks: “…When the Jews came back from their exile in Babylon, two men united in opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Tobiah, (an Ammonite) and Sanballat (a Horonite – that is, a Moabite).” 12
The ruins of their cities are located today in the country of Jordan. While scattered Moabites and Ammonites may remain, their countries are gone forever.
CUSH TO THE SOUTH
The LORD will be awesome to them when he destroys all the gods of the earth. Distant nations will bow down to him, all of them in their own lands. “You Cushites, too, will be slain by my sword.” Zephaniah 2:11-12
God is at war with the gods of this earth, including all the modern and postmodern gods we have today. The Lord mentions the Cushites, whom he will slay. The Cushites are Ethiopians, whose land is located south of the First Cataract of the Nile. They ruled over Egypt from about 720 to 654 BC (cf. Isa. 11:11; 18:1). This prophecy was fulfilled in Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion of Egypt, since the two countries were bound closely together (cf. Jer. 46:9).13
It is interesting how the Lord describes his war with the false gods. The Hebrew raza means to make thin. God is going to starve them to death since they will no longer be receiving offerings and sacrifices.14
Old enemies somehow tend to hang around, or at least their remnants hang around. In Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, we learn that Russia will have Ethiopia as an ally when it invades Israel in the last days.15
ASSYRIA IN THE NORTH
He will stretch out his hand against the north and destroy Assyria, leaving Nineveh utterly desolate and dry as the desert. Zephaniah 2:13
The country of Assyria was to the northeast of Israel. Still, due to the vast desert areas, both Assyria and Babylon had to invade Israel from the north. Assyria was by far the most cruel of all Israel’s enemies. Obviously, the nation was still in existence when Zephaniah made his prophecy. Historians tell us that Assyria fell to the Babylonians and Medes and was destroyed from 612-609 BC. Bible scholars, Charles Pfeiffer and Everett Harrison say of its capital, “Nineveh was so completely destroyed that its location was lost to the memory of man until rediscovered by archaeologists during the nineteenth century.” 16 Actually, the Greek military leader Xenophon went through the area in 401 BC without realizing that a great city had once occupied the spot.17
“Flocks and herds will lie down there, creatures of every kind. The desert owl and the screech owl will roost on her columns. Their hooting will echo through the windows, rubble will fill the doorways, the beams of cedar will be exposed” (2:14). Utley says, “This animal terminology is often used of total destruction, total deportation, cursed ground with elements of the demonic present.” 18
The description of the animals (or birds) listed has almost driven commentators mad. Clearly, herds of animals are lying down there. Also, the pelican (Heb. ka-at) and the porcupine (ki-ppod) will be there. Translators have also listed them as cormorants, hedgehogs, tawny owls, bitterns, and a number of other guesses. In any case, there will be much hooting, squawking or chirping from the tops of her pillars (cf. Isa. 34:11).
“This is the city of revelry that lived in safety. She said to herself, ‘I am the one! And there is none besides me.’ What a ruin she has become, a lair for wild beasts! All who pass by her scoff and shake their fists” (2:15). Mighty Nineveh said, “‘I am, and there is none besides me’ Thus, in effect, Nineveh claimed for herself the attributes of Almighty God.” 19
Truly, in the natural sense Nineveh was something to behold. Jamieson says, “Nothing then seemed more improbable than that the capital of so vast an empire, a city sixty miles in compass, with walls one hundred feet high, and so thick that three chariots could go abreast on them, and with fifteen hundred towers, should be so destroyed that its site is with difficulty discovered. Yet so it is, as the prophet foretold.” 20 We note how it took the prophet Jonah three days walking just to cross a portion of the city. Yet, God brought the great city to the dust. Truly, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31).
CHAPTER 3
Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God. Zephaniah 3:1-2
Although the prophet does not name the city, it is obvious that the city is Jerusalem. From the way the prophet ended chapter 2, we might have suspected that the city was Nineveh.1
But no, the city was Jerusalem, “Holy” Jerusalem. Who were they trying to fool? Even the Gentiles well knew that Jerusalem was a rebellious and wicked city, and they later called her as such (Ezra. 4:12, 15).2 Pfeiffer & Harrison remark: “The religious leaders were living in adultery, and they offered their sons as human sacrifices to gain favor from the nature gods (Jer. 10:5; 23:13-14; 32:35). Jeremiah had difficulty in finding a righteous man in Jerusalem (Jer. 5:1)…the rupture between the people and the Lord widened with each passing day (cf. Jer. 22:21).” 3
What a picture of rebellion, defilement, and pollution was this city. Her ears were closed to the Lord’s correction and instruction. Gone were the days when she came humbly to God and trusted in him. The city had become a haven for rebellious and defiled oppressors. Feinberg says of Jerusalem: “Because she was so highly favored and privileged, much more was to be expected of her in the way of faith and obedience to the Lord.” 4
“Her officials within her are roaring lions; her rulers are evening wolves, who leave nothing for the morning” (3:3). The prophet vividly describes all of Jerusalem’s officials as vicious animals. Utley comments: “The leadership of God’s people were often condemned by the prophets for their greedy, godless exercise of power (cf. Isa. 56:9-12; Jer. 5:30-31; 6:13-14; 8:8-12; 14:13-18; 22:1-30; 23:1-40; 26:12-15; 28:1-17; 36:30-31; Ezek. 13:1-23; 22:23-31; Mic. 3:1-12; 7:3). As the leadership goes, so go the people!” 5
There is something about sin that is so evident here. People have the false idea that what they do in private is solely a private matter. However, what they do is usually a very public matter. Sin not only hurts the sinner but ultimately it hurts lots of other people. Sin is not a private matter but a public matter. For instance, adultery done in secret is not private. It hurts and cheapens the parties. It makes them liars and deceivers. It breaks family relationships and brings forth unthinkable complications, legal, medical or otherwise. The Bible says, “…you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23).
We see here that princes, prophets, and priests were all guilty, but righteous King Josiah was spared judgment. He was doing everything in his power to bring the whole nation back to God. What a holy mess is created, especially when prophets and priests are defiled.
“Her prophets are unprincipled; they are treacherous people. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law” (3:4). We can imagine prophets prophesying for pay and priests taking financial advantage of hurting people. The priests profaned the sanctuary. Even these “holy” leaders were like greedy lions and wolves gnawing on the poor and needy.
Their prophets had lost the seriousness, conviction, and integrity of holy men. Of course, their sacrifices were empty of spiritual content (cf. Jer. 23:11, 32).6
“The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame” (3:5). What a contrast between the Lord and his people! Feinberg reminds us that in the East the early morning was the time for administering justice. So, we note that the Lord brings forth his justice in the mornings.7 Their God is just but the people are unjust. Jeremiah describes them: “Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them,’ says the LORD” (Jer. 6:15).
GOD’S LESSONS FROM THE NATIONS
I have destroyed nations; their strongholds are demolished. I have left their streets deserted, with no one passing through. Their cities are laid waste; they are deserted and empty. Zephaniah 3:6
God had destroyed other nations as a warning to Israel, but she had not heeded the messages. Judah did not even heed the warning when the northern ten tribes were carried away in captivity by the Assyrians. Now, as a further warning, God destroyed even the Assyrians. As we have mentioned, their great city of Nineveh was laid waste to the point that it was lost to history. Yet, Judah did not see and repent.
“Of Jerusalem I thought, ‘Surely you will fear me and accept correction!’ Then her place of refuge would not be destroyed, nor all my punishments come upon her. But they were still eager to act corruptly in all they did” (3:7). Jerusalem was not just the city loved by Judah, but it was the city loved by God. He says, “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it” (Psa. 132:14). “…This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion,’” (Zech. 1:14). “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me” (Isa. 49:16). How it must have broken God’s heart at the thought of his city being destroyed.
Still, there was God’s declaration: “I will turn your cities into ruins and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will take no delight in the pleasing aroma of your offerings” (Lev. 26:31). How tragic that the city would experience disaster once more soon after the days of Jesus. He would sadly say to them: “…If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes” (Lk. 19:42).
GOD’S WRATH UPON ALL THE NATIONS
“Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, “for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them –all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger.” Zephaniah 3:8
Here we have the theme of judgment picked up from chapter one. This is a theme that is seen in many places of scripture. Perhaps the prophet Joel expresses it best saying: “In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land” (Joel 3:1-2). It is very clear that at a time when Israel is returning home, the nations will gather to destroy her.
At the close of this age, God will go to war with all the nations of earth. He will destroy all the earth’s military powers that have assembled at Jehoshaphat and Armageddon. It seems that we are now seeing the buildup to this great end-day battle. Antisemitism is rising at a frightening pace in most of the nations of the world. According to the Anti-Defamation League, several nations have had alarming increases in antisemitism since the October 7th, 2023 invasion by Hamas. Here are some of the increases: Argentina, 600%; Australia 738%; Brazil 961%; France 1000%; and Denmark 1244%.8
Perhaps with the leading of a very antisemitic United Nations organization, all nations can be drawn to Israel for judgment. After the world’s armies have worked some destruction in the land, Jesus will return with his heavenly armies and the world’s forces will be completely destroyed. This great battle will end our present age and usher us into the millennial age, with its thousand years of peace and blessing. At that time the Beast (antichrist) and the False Prophet will be sent to Hell (Rev. 19:20) and Satan will be bound for a thousand years.
THE MILLENNIAL AGE
Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder. Zephaniah 3:9
Most Bible scholars see this time period as the Millennium or the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth.9 The word millennium comes from two Latin words, mille meaning thousand, and annum meaning year. The expression represents the thousand-year kingdom of Christ on this earth. During this time, Christ and his saints will reign over the nations, and Israel will finally receive the blessings promised through the ages by her prophets.10
When we look at the whole Bible it seems that the millennium is sort of a sabbath at the end of this present evil age. That is clearly in line with the way God appears to operate. Irish Anglican clergyman and Bible scholar, A. R. Faussett says: “The Jewish Rabbis thought, as the world was created in six days and on the seventh God rested, so there would be six millenary periods, followed by a sabbatical millennium.” 11
We note in this verse that God will purify the lips of the people. Other translations speak of God restoring a pure language. Some interpreters suppose that a pure Hebrew will be restored. However, the verse senses that there will be a purified and uncontaminated speech.12 Coffman remarks: “The essential thought behind this is unity of purpose and holiness of life. It is not that men may use better Hebrew, but that their hearts and lives should conform to the will of God, a characteristic distinctive of the redeemed ‘in Christ’ who are ‘a new creation’ (2 Cor. 5:17).” 13
The people will also labor shoulder to shoulder. This obviously speaks of unity and people working together. As they work together they will bring the blessing of Abraham to the whole world (Gen. 12:1-3).14 This verse could also speak of the conversion of Gentiles. Clearly, the Gentiles will go up to Jerusalem to worship and serve the Lord (Isa. 2:1-5; Isa. 51:11).
“From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings” (3:10). The usage of Ethiopia here could be an indication of the vast reaches of the millennial kingdom. British theologian Donald Guthrie says, “The use of Ethiopia here is to include the most distant nations of all, Ethiopia being considered as far away as they could imagine.” 15 It is of note that thousands of Ethiopian Jews have already returned to Israel in recent years. In 1991,15,000 were flown together to Israel in a secret weekend Israeli airlift.
“On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill. But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the LORD” (3:11-12). We must remember that dramatic changes will take place in Israel in these last days. Zechariah speaks of a wholesale conversion of the Jews. Zechariah says, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son” (Zech. 12:10). Zechariah further says, “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity” (Zech. 13:1).
These above verses speak of a wholesale conversion of Israel to the Lord Jesus. They will then be able to say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Matt. 23:39). We also need to remember that at the appearance of Jesus, the wicked will be instantly removed from the earth (Matt. 13:49-50). The arrogant boasters will be gone forever. Only the meek and humble will remain.
“They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid” (3:13). The prophet Jeremiah speaks of Israel having the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34: Ezek. 11:19-20). Jeremiah also says, “‘In those days and at that time,’ declares the LORD, ‘search will be made for the iniquity of Israel, but there will be none; and for the sins of Judah, but they will not be found; for I shall pardon those whom I leave as a remnant’” (Jer. 50:20 NAS). So, we have to assume that the remnant of Israel will be a part of the resurrected and holy saints of God and also will be administering the earth, particularly the land of Israel. They will be serving God with truth and holiness. There will never again be fear among the elect of God.
“Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!” (3:14). Henry remarks, “What makes a people holy, will make them happy.” 16 God’s people will be restored with singing. Sighing and tears are now gone forever. The Bible speaks of all God’s redeemed, Jews and Gentiles singing. “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away” (Isa. 51:11 KJV). Phillips says, “In the millennial kingdom Israel – redeemed, regenerated, and regathered home – will sing. Oh, how they will sing! The sobs and anguish of centuries will be swept away in song.” 17
“The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm” (3:15). After the awful disasters of Armageddon and Jehoshaphat there will be a dramatic change in the nations of the earth. “Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles” (Zech. 14:16). It is interesting that since 1980, several thousand Christians from all over the world travel each year to Israel to share in the Festival of Tabernacles with the Jews. In Psalms we read: “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations” (Psa. 22:27-28).
“On that day they will say to Jerusalem, ‘Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. (3:16). Israel will never have to worry about enemies again. There will never again be sad pictures of Israel standing in the Holocaust prisons with limp and weary hands.
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (3:17). We see something interesting in this passage. Our God is a singing God. We can now understand why his saints have been singing people throughout the ages. The scripture says: “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations” (Psa. 98:1-2).
“I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you” (3:18). Utley comments: “This verse is uncertain in Hebrew…but seems to address the exiled people of God who, one day, will be able to attend the feast days (cf. Exodus 23; Leviticus 23) in Jerusalem, in the temple again!” 18 Pfeiffer and Harrison add: “Jewish people have not been able to enjoy their religion in the countries of their dispersion because of the reproach heaped upon them by their heathen neighbors (cf. Ps. 137).” 19 We can be certain that the feasts will be restored in the millennium. The Bible assures us that the major feasts are eternal statutes. This is mentioned four times in Leviticus 23:14, 21, 31, & 41.
“At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame” (3:19).
Phillips says: “There is hardly a country on earth where Jews have not been insulted, vilified, hated, and persecuted. But in the millennial age, their management of public affairs will be so brilliant, their love for the Lord will be so personable and convincing, their influence and power will be so obvious, and their wisdom, insight and skill will be so beneficial that all nations will hail them and welcome them…” 20
“‘At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,’ says the LORD” (3:20). The Jewish people will at last be home. The process of aliya and return that began in the 1880s will finally be complete. The Jews will at last have honor and praise.
Isaiah has much to say in his glorious section of 60:1 – 62:7. He writes: “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising” (Isa. 60:3 ESV). Isaiah notes that “…the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you” (Isa. 60:5 ESV). He even says that the children of Israel’s oppressors will come bowing and falling at Israel’s feet in their deep repentance and apology (Isa. 60:14). Zechariah says: “Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD” (Zech. 8:22 ESV).
Isaiah continues: “They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the LORD’s majesty. Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; exalt the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea. From the ends of the earth we hear singing: ‘Glory to the Righteous One…’” (Isa. 24:14-16 NIV). The prophet Habakkuk agrees with Isaiah and sums it all up by saying in 2:14: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”
ENDNOTES
Several sources I have cited here are from the electronic media, either from websites or from electronic research libraries. Thus, in some of these sources, it is not possible to cite page numbers. Instead, I have cited the verse or verses in Zephaniah (e.g. v. verse 1:1 or vs. verses 1:5-6) about which the commentators speak.
INTRODUCTION
1 Charles L. Feinberg, The Minor Prophets (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1990), p. 221.
2 John Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1998), p. 226.
3 James Montgomery Boice, The Minor Prophets, Vol. 2 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1986), p. 439.
4 Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 224.
5 Boice, The Minor Prophets, Vol. 2, p. 438.
CHAPTER 1
1 Peter Pett, Pett’s Commentary on the Bible, Zephaniah, 2013, v. 1:1. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/pet/zephaniah-1.html.
2 Quoted in James Burton Coffman, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible, Zephaniah. University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999. v.1:1. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bcc/zephaniah-1.html.
3 Warren W. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, OT (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2007), p. 1483.
4 Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 223.
5 Matthew Henry, Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Zephaniah, 1706, vs. 1:1-6. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhn/zephaniah-1.html.
6 Pett, Pett’s Commentary on the Bible, Zephaniah, vs. 1:4-6.
7 David Guzik, The Enduring Word Bible Commentary, 2024, vs. 1:7-9. enduringword.com.
Feinberg adds: “Some think the reference to foreign apparel points to the strange vestments brought in from the pagan lands abroad in which the ungodly in Israel worshiped idols.” Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 224.
8 Robert Jamieson, A.R Fausset, David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Commentary on Zephaniah, 1871-8, v. 1:10. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jfb/zephaniah-1.html.
9 Mervin Breneman, Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), p. 187.
10 Pett, Pett’s Commentary on the Bible, Zephaniah, v. 1:10.
11 Charles F. Pfeiffer & Everett F. Harrison, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1979), p. 885.
12 Bob Utley, Free Bible Study, Zephaniah, v. 1:12. https://www.freebiblecommentary.org/old_testament_studies/VOL10BOT/VOL10BOT.html
13 Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 230.
14 Quoted in Coffman, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible, Zephaniah, v. 1:12.
15 William Whiston, Trans. Josephus Complete Works (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1960), p. 569.
16 Renald Showers, Israel My Glory, https://israelmyglory.org/article/the-biblical-concept-of-the-day-of-the-lord/
17 Whiston, Trans. Josephus Complete Works, p. 587.
18 Coffman, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible, Zephaniah, v. 1:18.
CHAPTER 2
1 Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 226.
2 Utley, Free Bible Study, Zephaniah, v. 2:1.
3 Guzik, The Enduring Word Bible Commentary, v. 2:3.
4 David Jeremiah, A Life beyond Amazing (Nashville: W. Publishing Group, 2017), p. 153.
5 Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 227.
6 Utley, Free Bible Study, Zephaniah, v. 2:4.
7 Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 227.
8 Ibid.
9 Pfeiffer & Harrison, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, p. 886.
10 D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer, A.M. Stibbs, D. J. Wiseman, The New Bible Commentary: Revised (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1970), p. 778.
11 Quoted in Coffman, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible, Zephaniah, v. 2:9.
12 Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 235.
13 Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 229.
14 Adam Clarke, The Adam Clarke Commentary, Commentary on Zephaniah, 1832, v. 2:11. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/acc/zephaniah-1.html.
15 Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 236.
16 Pfeiffer & Harrison, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, p. 886.
17 Coffman, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible, Zephaniah, v. 2:13.
18 Utley, Free Bible Study, Zephaniah, v. 2:14.
19 Coffman, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible, Zephaniah, v. 2:15.
20 Jamieson, Fausset, & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Commentary on Zephaniah, v. 2:15.
CHAPTER 3
1 Guzik, The Enduring Word Bible Commentary, vs. 3:1-4.
2 Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, OT, p. 1485.
3 Pfeiffer & Harrison, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, p. 887.
4 Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 231.
5 Utley, Free Bible Study, Zephaniah, vs. 3:3-4.
6 Pfeiffer & Harrison, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, p. 887.
7 Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 232.
8 Anti-Defamation League, https://www.adl.org/resources/article/global-antisemitic-incidents-wake-hamas-war-israel
9 Guzik, The Enduring Word Bible Commentary, vs. 3:8-13.
10 Warren W. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, NT (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2007), p. 1078.
11 Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, & David Brown, Commentary on Revelation, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, 1871-78, Ch. 20, verse 3. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jfb/revelation-20.htmlJam3)
12 Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 233.
13 Coffman, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible, Zephaniah, v. 3:9.
14 Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, OT, p. 1485.
15 Guthrie, Motyer, Stibbs, & Wiseman, The New Bible Commentary: Revised, p. 780.
16 Henry, Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Zephaniah, vs. 3:14-20).
17 Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 240.
18 Utley, Free Bible Study, Zephaniah, vs. 3:18-20.
19 Pfeiffer & Harrison, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, p. 888.
20 Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 241.